Apparently it is possible to be under the influence yet above the law. This week, a Texas court’s ruling virtually excused a teenager who killed four people as the result of driving with a .24 blood alcohol level — three times the legal limit for an adult. The defense’s strategy essentially passed blame to the young man’s parents, their wealth and it’s suggested ability to remove any sense of responsibility or accountability for one’s actions. A psychologist testifying on behalf of the defendant called the incident the result of a condition called affluenza.

These days such an outcome is practically expected. From white collar crime’s white glove treatment to severe inequalities served with equally severe punishments, as described by fellow Democrat and Chronicleblogger Madelaine Britt, affluenza is no stranger to today’s society.

Unfortunately, it seems to be contagious and spreading fast. And like many epidemics, affluenza is beginning to evolve into new strains with symptoms evolving beyond monetary wealth-caused cases into those based on the mindset of privilege too.

Recent history demonstrates how wealth, power and privilege have the potential to make us feel immune from reality. Perhaps we should start to name strains of affluenza based on their most notorious “victims.”

In his new book, The War on Football: Saving America’s Game, Daniel J. Flynn alleges that concussion doctors are pushing faulty “science” that benefits their hidden business interests and lawyers are clamoring for “billion-dollar settlements in scam” litigation. In a recent interview he even went so far as to claim that football is analogous Christmas stating that “both inspire a small but vocal group of detractors. I’m not familiar with too many Christmas Scrooges. But in writing this book I’ve become acquainted with quite a few football Scrooges who want to take the ball and go home. It’s a free country. Celebrate Christmas or not. Play football or not. Players and spectators should be allowed to make their own decisions without moral scolds intervening.”

As I have discussed, the recent concussion lawsuits brought by former NFL players is not some moral intervention or even a “war” on the sport. These claims alleged that the NFL intentionally concealed the long-term dangers of concussions from players. As even Mr. Flynn may readily admit, football has inherent risks and players voluntarily assume those risks by choosing to participate in the sport. However, players cannot knowingly assume a risk of which they are unaware, especially if those risks are intentionally concealed by the industry leader, the National Football League.

As Mr. Flynn claims that there is a “war” on football in his attempt to sell his books, he should recognize the dangers that his rhetoric may have to those who are most at risk, youth football players with the most vulnerable brains. Earlier this week, Damon W. Janes, a 16-year old high school football player from Brocton, New York, died almost three days after suffering a severe head injury resulting from helmet-to-helmet collision during a Class D varsity football game.

There is no “war” on football, and we can do better to protect our student athletes.

The league will pay a $765 million settlement that will be paid out over 17 years, which is a paltry sum compared to the sport’s revenues and the long-term needs of former players who may have suffered debilitating brain injuries. The terms will costs the league $30 million per franchise or about 10% of the average franchise’s 2013 revenue, which Forbes placed at $286 million.

By settling the case, the league makes no admission of any liability and prevents the pretrial court discovery stage of the lawsuit, including the possible disclosure of information that may be contained in internal NFL documents. This is unfortunate, because until only recently did the league even acknowledge that concussions could have long-term neurological effects. For example, in 2009 the NFL distanced itself from a report finding that retired players had been found to have dementia at 5 to 19 times the national rate.

Ultimately, it may be America’s youth that are most harmed by the settlement. As analysts have noted, “Youth leagues could do far more than they do for the youngest players, with the most vulnerable brains.” These young players will not receive any compensation from the NFL settlement, yet these players look up to the NFL, and youth leagues follow their rules regarding player safety.

As the industry leader, the NFL needs to make safety a priority for all players who love the game of football.

New York’s Wage Theft Prevention Act took effect on April 9, 2011. Among other things, the law requires employers to give written notice of wage rates to each new hire and to all employees annually. As I have previously discussed, this wage notification regulation has proven to be an immaterial paperwork requirement that state labor officials don’t even double-check.

The requirement is typical of Albany over-reach, as if most employees are not aware of their wages when they receive their regular paychecks. As others have noted, the regulation is really a needless mandate and an additional expense to New York businesses. Perhaps it is no surprise then that New York State was ranked dead last among states for freedom in a recent study that reviewed taxes and regulation, and Texas Governor Rick Perry has started a marketing campaign to lure New York employers to the Lone Star State.

Thankfully, organizations such as the Rochester Business Alliance have supported the repeal of the annual pay notice mandate, noting that “this unnecessary, burdensome and duplicative requirement imposes substantial administrative costs on every private sector employer in New York.” As the current legislative session comes to an end, I hope that our elected representatives support S.2313/A.2482 and repeal New York’s annual wage notification requirement. Let’s make New York State a welcoming place for business and innovation.

The State Senate recently passed legislation to legalize and regulate mixed martial arts (“MMA”) competitions in New York State. MMA is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques from a variety of other combat sports. The sport is sanctioned in 45 states from California to Florida, but is not yet legal in New York.

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Joseph Griffo (R, Rome). It was sent to the assembly and, if passed, the law would allow mixed martial arts organizations to hold professional competitions in New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo has been fairly supportive of the proposal, given the potential positive economic impact MMA events could bring to the state. For example, Ultimate Fighting Championship, an MMA promotion company, is estimated to be worth between $1 billion and $2 billion. Its events reach more than half a billion TV homes across 145 countries in 22 languages.

However, MMA has faced public criticism. Most notably, former presidential candidate John McCain once labeled the sport “human cockfighting” and sent letters to governors in every state urging its prohibition. Clergy, faith leaders and Democratic Assembly members have called on New York lawmakers to uphold the state ban against MMA, calling it wrong and immoral.

However, the sport has evolved and now includes more safety provisions. Even John McCain has changed his position, noting in an interview with NPR that,“They have cleaned up the sport to the point, at least in my view, where it is not human cockfighting any more. I think they’ve made significant progress. They haven’t made me a fan, but they have made progress.”

It is only a matter of time until MMA is legalized in New York, and we will see events at Madison Square Garden. The only question is how long will it take?

The many Facebook posts, Tweets and Instagrams shared over the weekend conveyed a great sigh of relief from the residents of Boston. One memorable photo pictured a bar sign outside on the street that read, “Back to Normal – Red Sox – Bruins – Beer.” Returning our country to a state of normalcy is about more than just sports or Sam Adams. A greater outcome is required. As President Obama stated, “Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.”

The return to normal begins with reaffirming our nation’s core principles – the very things that antagonize and motivate so many of our foes and enemies around the world. One way to demonstrate to the country, and the world, that the United States’ has returned to normal is to prosecute the remaining suspect, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, as a criminal in Federal civilian court.

Several opponents to this approach wish to prosecute the suspect as an enemy combatant. This would waive the right to attorney during interrogation and broaden the scope of the questioning, which may or may not uncover intelligence about potential ties to a larger terrorist plot or network. These measures, however, also revoke the suspect of his basic rights as an American citizen. And with a record of 435 terrorist convictions, the Federal government has proven effective in its ability to successfully prosecute such trials.

Responding to this act of extremism by waiving the suspect’s rights is a reaction based in fear — a far cry from the desired state of normal in this country. Instead, constitutional trial rights demonstrate the nation’s resilient and powerful strengths, which are the bedrock of what makes life here “normal” in the United States of America. As I stated several months ago, the time is now for healing. The time is now for action. Once again, we’re being challenged to work on behalf of the memories of the fallen. Doing the right thing isn’t easy. A full-recovery and a return to normal demands the discipline to rely on the principles that continue to make our country – even at moments of darkness – a beacon of light in the world.

Recently, Chester Cab Pizza on Rochester’s Park Avenue, which has been turning out takeout pies for 30 years in the community, announced that it is closing. Owner Howard Nielsen cited mandates that he would have to comply with as what broke “the camel’s back” in his decision to close his store.

As many New York business owners are aware, increased state regulation is making it difficult for small business owners and entrepreneurs to operate in New York State. Many of these regulations are passed by seemingly well-intentioned legislators without regard for the enforcement or effectiveness of their new rules. For example, it was recently revealed that the Wage Theft Prevention Act, a New York law that strengthens punishments for bosses who don’t clearly explain or pay promised wages, is a paperwork requirement that state labor officials don’t even double-check.

Perhaps our legislators are starting to realize the effect of their overbearing rulemaking, as even Governor Cuomo has launched a “New York Open for Business” marketing initiative. However, slick coordinated communications aside, lawmakers must create policies that welcome innovators before the next small business decides to close its doors.

Specifically, the budget includes a proposal to extend a surcharge on utility assessments. The tax, known as the 18a assessment, is set to expire in March of 2014, but Governor Cuomo has proposed to extend it for another five years. Extending a tax beyond its expiration date is, essentially, a new tax. The budget also increases a tax on philanthropic New Yorkers by limiting deductions to charities.

Furthermore, there are new fee increases in the governor’s plan, including the addition of an $80 state surcharge to minor traffic offenses and a new minimum fine of $50 for violating state laws regarding texting or the use of cellphones while driving.

These additional taxes and fees are an unwelcome burden on the struggling families of New York, and supporters of the proposed budget should take a closer look before they rush to endorse it.

Editorial Board

has, for the past 18 years as Editorial Page editor, been responsible for producing more than 5,100 daily Editorial and Speaking Out pages. He started his journalism career in Cleveland shortly after graduating from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Along the way, he has had career stops in Denver, Orlando, Fla., and White Plains. But unquestionably, he says, some of his most rewarding years as a journalist have been here in Rochester, being a part of positive change. That change has included reforms that followed an aggressive "Challenging Albany" campaign, greater public awareness and pushback against the coarsening of our culture, and strides being made to make this region a destination community.

I joined the Democrat and Chronicle in December 2011 as digital opinion editor, a position that combines traditional editorial responsibilities with the fostering and promotion of online conversation across a number of digital platforms and social media.

I bring to the position some 25 years of media experience in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region, having served as managing editor at Messenger Post Media, where I wrote columns, editorials and blogs, among an array of other newsroom duties.

I'm a lifelong New Yorker who has called Long Island, the North Country and, now, western New York home.

When I'm not in a newsroom or in front of a computer, I'm usually enjoying time with family or lost in a book.

became editor of community partnerships and niche content in November 2011, a position new to the Democrat and Chronicle. She is charged with increasing community engagement across all platforms, web and print. Sutter also has served as deputy editorial page editor, managing editor and general manager/custom content at the Democrat and Chronicle. She has worked as a reporter or editor for newspapers in Iowa, Illinois, Florida, South Carolina and Elmira, where she was executive editor of the Star-Gazette. She holds a master's degree in media management and a bachelor of journalism degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

I have been with the Democrat and Chronicle since 2006, when I was hired as letters editor. In 2008, I shifted into the role of community conversation coordinator. Most of my time on the job is spent reading and editing the thousands of letters to the editor we receive each year. I love learning about a wide variety of subjects every day while fact-checking letters. Aside from editing the letters, I also monitor reader comments posted on our website, and write editorials, blog posts and tweets.

I am a lifelong reader of the D&C, so I’m particularly honored to lend my voice to the Editorial Board. As a registered conservative and strong advocate of free market economics, it is likely that I will bring an alternate view to the discussion, so I applaud the D&C for asking me aboard.

My passion about economics and politics first emanated from our family dinner-table discussions growing up in Brighton, where no topic was off limits. After graduating from Brighton High School and then from Middlebury College as an economics major, I started my career with Case Hoyt, a once nationally recognized printing company based in Rochester. I relocated to Philadelphia, Washington and then Boston to attend Harvard Business School before happily moving back home just as my wife and I were starting a family.

I have actively engaged in various volunteer leadership roles at the Wilmot Cancer, St. Thomas More Church and now Rochester Prep Charter School and the Kilian Schmitt Foundation.

Personally, my wife, Caroline, and I have three grown children who have all left the area for college as well as to start their work careers.

I have lived in Rochester, both in the city and the suburbs, for most of my life. I have a degree from Roberts Wesleyan College in religion and philosophy, and I currently work for the Volunteers of America as a case manager for families who receive the Shelter Plus Care housing grant.

I live in the town of Chili with my husband and my sons, Gavin and Troy. Spending time with them is my favorite thing to do. My husband, Scott, owns a small sales and marketing company.

I love Rochester and am actively involved in the community. I serve on several boards and committees, including the Chili Parks and Recreation Committee. Recently I accepted the role of president of the Monroe County Republican Women (a non party-funded organization). Lastly, I am the director of The Bridge, a developing nonprofit that promotes sustainable homeless outreach efforts and organizes bipartisan discussions on issues related to poverty.

I am passionate about seeking out lasting solutions to poverty and bridging the political and cultural gaps. Find me on Twitter (@annaiseman), Facebook, or in future D&C discussions.

Board of Contributors

I manage an educational project for RIT, and teach as an adjunct professor at Nazareth College and the Warner School of Education. In an earlier life, I directed a modern dance company and worked as a teaching artist in schools. I hold a PhD in education with a focus on arts, curriculum and teaching. My areas of interest are education, politics and the arts. I plan to share perspectives on the current changes taking place in the field of education, and have a special interest in political art. I hope to stimulate good discussions in these areas through blogging and guest interviews.

My name is Makenzie Marino and I'm a 16-year-old junior at Our Lady of Mercy High School. I've been writing since I was 7. Writing is my passion; it's the way I express myself and my creativity. As a member of the board I hope to educate people in Rochester on events going on in our area and also bring to people's attention topics that maybe they'd look over otherwise. Also, I hope to learn things myself and be educated by other board members, and by visitors that will be showing up to the meetings. I hope to bring forth positive energy and educate people around me.

I was born and raised in central New York. I earned a bachelor's degree from SUNY Brockport, and now gladly call the Flower City home. I’m a married mother of three young children who keep me on my toes. I write a Blog, From Playgrounds to Politics, which often focuses on hot-button topics as well as about parenting, education, current events, political punditry and entertainment news. I have blogged for the Democrat and Chronicle for several years, focusing local issues and public schools. Follow me on Twitter @Mango1531. As a Board of Contributors member, I hope to write in no-holds-barred style about social topics within our community.

I’m a transplanted New Englander, who has resided with my family in Rochester’s 19th Ward for over 20 years. I left a career in book publishing when I moved from the Boston area, and then got my master’s in education at Nazareth College. I have taught in local schools and am currently an adjunct teacher at The Strong’s National Museum of Play. I write fiction and memoir, volunteer in my neighborhood library, love to travel, coordinate an Exploring Post in health careers, and am a staunch advocate for children.

I retired as Rochester’s commissioner of Community Development in 2009. I’m the co-founder of Eugenio María de Hostos Charter School and serve as the volunteer CEO/chairman of the board. I also serve on five other boards. I was president and CEO of Ibero-American action League from 1993 to 2006. From 1987 to 1990, I owned and operated a Super Duper in the city, and worked briefly as a Spanish teacher. I have a bachelor of science degree in social service administration from SUNY Empire State College and a master’s degree in education from The College at Brockport. I am the author of “Journey of Puerto Rican Jíbaro,” a memoir.

As a life-long resident of Rochester, I am honored and humbled to be selected for the Board of Contributors. It is my hope that through this forum, I will have the opportunity to engage in dialogue that will uplift, inspire and challenge others to contribute to the economic, social, emotional/mental and spiritual health needs of Monroe County’s neediest residents. It is disheartening to me that Rochester is one of the poorest cities in this nation. We all have a part in this universe to offer a hand up and not a hand out. I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we are blessed to share three awesome children.

I work as a shipping and receiving clerk in Rochester. I look forward to being on the Board of Contributors and taking part in discussions of issues facing Rochester in 2014. I intend to add a pragmatic, moderate voice and concentrate on solutions and successes. Beyond the liberal/conservative gridlock there are pragmatic solutions upon which a majority can agree. The moderate majority is not as vocal as extremists to the left and right and this makes moderates easy to ignore. I look forward to being part of the Democrat and Chronicle's effort to contribute to the quality of life in this community.

I grew up in the Rochester area, attended PS35, graduated from Brighton High School, then attended SUNY College at Geneseo and the University of Chicago and earned his PhD at Northwestern University. A lifelong educator, child advocate and bestselling author of books and articles on leadership, collaboration, and education reform, I’ve been a middle school teacher, high school coach, school board member, college professor, dean of education at four universities, distinguished visiting scholar, community-based and regional nonprofit executive, education advisor to Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission, and associate superintendent of education for the State of Ohio. I currently am vice president for community programs at the Rochester Area Community Foundation.

As an active Community Member on the Democrat and Chronicle Editorial Board in 2013, and a division sales manager of a consumer company prior to that, I hope to stay involved with current events on the Board of Contributors, weighing in with my unique perspective on issues and headlines in 2014. A former United States Marine Corps Officer, and current retired "East Side Suburbanite," I feel that my "conservative-leaning" voice represents a part of the community that deserves to be heard.

I am a lay associate pastor at Spiritus Christi Church and a nurse of 28 years. In my role as associate pastor, I lead racial justice work, welcome new members and facilitate diversity within our ministeries. I am looking forward to being a board contributor so that I might engage in the conversations and topics this community most cares about to forge unity. It is my hope that, together, we join our visions and perspectives to examine what is, and lean in to shape ultimately what could be. If we do that I am hopeful that we will embody the "One City" Rochester mantra we all envision.

I am a third-year journalism and political science student at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Being a native of Rochester has carved within me a passion for urban life and a desire to fully understand the complexity of the many issues Rochesterians face. I care most about education, youth, race and poverty, and have blogged for the Democrat and Chronicle’s Unite Rochester initiative. I am very excited to be offering my voice through the Board of Contributors and I hope to spark some great conversations with the rest of my community.